Making Exercise More Fun

Recently, an article in the November/December 2008 issue of Diabetes Self Management describes some ways to make exercise more fun. We all know that exercise is something that we should do to be more healthy, but in reality it is something many of us rarely do and we are capable of developing elaborate excuses to write off our planned activities. More than 50% of Americans spend the majority of their waking hours sitting, reclining or lying down. Most people don't exercise because they don't think it is fun. It is important to find an activity that you enjoy so that you can stick with it.

Exercising indoors may not sound like a good time, but there a few things you can do to make it more enjoyable. You can try listening to music or perhaps a book on tape. If that doesn't work give watching the TV, movies or music videos a try. One method is to only watch the movie while you exercise, which will motivate you to be active if you want to see how it ends.

Some other options to increase your activity level is to start walking more. If you become bored with walking, maybe it is time to vary your route. Another motivator may be to walk to a destination, the theater for example. Start walking with your friends, to and from activities. Get a dog, most communities have a humane society who would appreciate dog walkers or you could even adopt a dog from the local humane society. This is a wonderful way to motivate yourself to get out and walk because dogs need activity and adoption is a great way to get a new pet. You could also set up a competition between friends or co-workers using pedometers to see who walks the most.

Another option is to make exercise time, family time. You could go on a family bike ride, hike or trip to the park. Set up an activity schedule for you and your family and you can hold each other accountable to ensure you are active. Schedule a variety of activities, and remember it is more about having fun than with your family so don't worry about you level of performance.

So after you enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner this Thursday, rally your family to go out for a walk and burn off that pumpkin pie.